"We don't need sympathy. We need people to respect our lives."

The tragic deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, LA and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, MN at the hands of police officers have elicited outrage across the United States. Scores of rappers have taken to social media to react to the killings. Most of these reactions were instantaneous. Beyonce opted for a slightly more measured approach. Her team posted a sharply worded statement to her website Thursday afternoon.

“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities," it opens. "It is up to us to take a stand and demand that they 'stop killing us.' We don't need sympathy. We need people to respect our lives."

The statement includes a link for anyone wishing to contact their local legislator. Read the statement in full below and on her website: